The first round of Manny Pacquaio-Antonio Barrera rematch dubbed "The Will to Win" by Solar Sports once again highlighted the deep difference between Filipinos and the Mexican people.
While we are both a developing country once colonized by Spain and share an almost similar past in terms of politics, culture and trade, the Filipinos have not outgrown the propensity for idolising personalities-- reason why showbiz and patronage politics thrive as a business in this part of the world.
At Mandalay Bay Events Center, Filipinos and friends chant "Manny! Manny!" while the fans and countrymen of Barrera shout "Mehico! Mehico!" at the first round of the rematch. This contrast became apparent as the show went on. We complain of racial slur at the "Desperate Housewives" show of ABC Network insulting Filipino doctors, but we fail to prove to the world that we are indeed a nationalist lot to the core.
Manny Paquiao may have won the rematch bout but for me, the Mexicans won as a country, united and proud of their native son, win or loss.
"Philippines! Philippines!" What a sweet sound it would have been when chanted throughout the 12 round fight. We missed the chance to impress the world that we are a nation of great individuals, Pacquiao among them. Mexicans did it. Again.
